Boudh: The Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) court in Odisha’s Boudh has issued a bailable arrest warrant against Boudh MLA and government chief whip, Saroj Kumar Pradhan.
The warrant was issued following his failure to appear in court regarding a case involving an alleged false affidavit submitted during the 2024 Assembly elections.
The case was filed by former Assembly Speaker and BJD leader Pradip Kumar Amat, who accused Pradhan of providing incorrect information and misrepresenting facts in his election affidavit. Following the petition, the SDJM court took cognisance of the matter and directed Pradhan to appear before it. The MLA, however, approached the Orissa High Court to challenge the trial court’s notice and was granted 12 weeks of time. The SDJM court proceedings were initially adjourned from June 5 to September 7 in light of the HC’s interim order. Despite the expiration of the 12-week timeframe and repeated extensions granted by the SDJM court, including adjournments on September 7 and September 18 to facilitate his appearance.
On September 18, the court had granted the defence a “last opportunity” to ensure Pradhan’s appearance on September 25. When he did not appear on that date, while the complainant’s counsel was present, the SDJM court issued the arrest warrant and posted the matter for October 15.
Reacting to the development, Pradhan stated he had not yet reviewed the details of the order as the Assembly session was ongoing. He maintained that the matter is currently sub-judice in the High Court and that the trial court should abide by the stay order. Pradhan also contended that, under Supreme Court guidelines, cases against sitting MPs and MLAs cannot be tried in regular district courts, noting that Anugola has been designated as the special court for such cases originating from the Boudh district.